What is it about Disney and the inspirational sports drama? Somehow, they can take the tired formula and make it compelling, time after time after time. Past productions include Glory Road, Miracle, The Rookie, The Greatest Game Ever Played, and Remember the Titans. None of them really break any new ground, but I always seem to be sucked in by the story. It never seems to matter who is directing or who is writing, but they always churn out worthy films.
I am not the biggest sports fan in the world, so I usually enter these with very little knowledge of the actual events and people who inspired them. I don't know if that helps or hurts, but I guess it doesn't matter since I have enjoyed the movies anyway. Invincible is no different.
Invincible is the story of Vincent Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from Philadelphia who goes to an open tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Dirk Vermiel is the new coach of the team that has been suffering a number of losing seasons in front of a rabid crowd. We all
know how the story is going to go, a down and out guy tries out, works hard against adversity, and eventually overcomes to win the hearts of a city and the love interest.
Mark Wahlberg plays Papale well. He is the everyman with whom the passive viewer can put their hopes and dreams, living vicariously through the underdog champion. Where Papale came from, and what he went through gives everyone something to identify with. The cast is filled with the usual suspects. There is the love interest, the supportive friends, the rival, the teammates who look down on him, and the coach who stands up for him. All of which play the usual roles, but they are portrayed very well.
Article comments
1 - Craig T. Seifert
Defining character is hard thing, but you know it when you see it. Invincible brought character to the cinema screen and illustrated it beautifully. Character is something we earn; we’re not born with it. In this day and age, in my opinion, a lot of American’s are looking down the wrong end of the telescope when it comes to character. Doing the right thing for the greater public good, not for money or other gains. As you all know, an event, a word, an incident, and even a movie can turn history around. This is one of those movies that any person can grow from"personal growth"and reinvent themselves and it starts with character. Doing the right thing, be a plus on society, not a negative. All it takes is desire"to change and be a better person. That’s character, and drive. The Vincent Papale’s of this world have changed events and history. I believe through this movie Vinny going to do it again! Inspire other--anon.